https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7174-3157
![Sample our Behavioral Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110801/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Behavioral-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment status, work productivity, quality of life (QOL), and depressive symptoms in undiagnosed adults with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in Japan.
Methods
An observational study used baseline data from a Japanese Medilead Healthcare Panel before the COVID-19 pandemic (October–December 2019). Eligible panel participants were then surveyed during the pandemic (March 2021). ADHD symptoms were screened using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. Changes in QOL (EuroQol 5-Dimensions 5-Levels; EQ-5D-5L) and productivity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale; WPAI) from before to during the pandemic were analyzed in undiagnosed adults with and without ADHD symptoms. Unemployment rate and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9) during the pandemic were compared between groups.
Results
Participants with (N=949) and without (N=942) ADHD symptoms completed the survey. The unemployment rate was not significantly different between participants with and without ADHD symptoms. Participants with ADHD symptoms were more likely to change jobs or employers during the pandemic. PHQ-9 scores in participants with ADHD symptoms were significantly higher than in those without ADHD symptoms (8.96 vs 3.57, respectively) during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, WPAI scores were significantly higher and EQ-5D-5L scores lower in participants with ADHD symptoms than in those without. Productivity improved and QOL was not altered during the pandemic in both groups, but productivity and QOL remained poorer among participants with ADHD symptoms than in those without.
Conclusion
Productivity was improved among all participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to expectations. However, adults with ADHD symptoms consistently had lower productivity, poorer QOL, and more depressive symptoms than those without ADHD symptoms.
Abbreviations
ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ASRS, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale; EQ-5D-5L, EuroQol 5-Dimensions 5-Levels; MHP, Medilead Healthcare Panel; PHQ-9, Patient Health Questionnaire; QOL, quality of life; SOE, state of emergency; WFH, working from home; WPAI, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment.
Data Sharing Statement
Deidentified participant data collected during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all study participants. Medical writing assistance was provided by Koa Webster, PhD, and Rebecca Lew, PhD, CMPP, of ProScribe – Envision Pharma Group, and was funded by Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. ProScribe’s services complied with international guidelines for Good Publication Practice (GPP3).
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
TN and YN are employees of Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and own shares in the company. TT was an employee of Shionogi & Co., Ltd. at the time the study was conducted and owns shares in both Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. HTs is a former employee of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. TS is an employee of and owns shares in Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. TU and KI are employees of Medilead, Inc, which received payment for study design and data analysis from Shionogi & Co., Ltd. KK sits on the board of directors of Medilead, Inc. HTo reports grant funding (paid to Tohoku University) from Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Eisai Co., Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.; and has also received personal payment or honoraria from Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, EA Pharma Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Lundbeck, Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd., Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., MSD K.K., Mylan EPD G.K., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pfizer Japan Inc., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and Viatris Inc. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.